Buhari not happy Osinbajo contested APC Presidential primary with Tinubu

Former President Muhammadu Buhari was concerned about his vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, running directly against President Bola Tinubu for the APC’s presidential ticket in the party’s 2022 primaries, Bisi Akande, the former governor of Osun State and founding national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has revealed.

Akande discussed the internal dynamics of the APC at the time in an open discussion on a podcast hosted by well-known broadcaster Edmund Obilo.

When asked directly if Buhari had opposed Tinubu’s candidacy, Akande simply shook his head, signaling that the former president did not object to Tinubu running for president, despite the delicate political landscape.

“He didn’t tell me so,” he said. “I asked him many questions, including whether he instigated Osinbajo to contest against Tinubu. He said no and explained that, in his culture, when your mentor is interested in a position, you don’t contest with him.”

In the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, Bola Tinubu emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, securing 1,271 votes to claim the party’s coveted ticket.

The APC national leader triumphed over 13 other contenders, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in a highly competitive race that culminated at the party’s Special National Convention in Abuja.

Among the notable aspirants defeated by Tinubu were former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ex-governor David Umahi, Senator Ahmad Yarima, Dr. Ahmed Lawal, and the late Ogbonnaya Onu.

Other key figures in the race included Chukwuemeka Nwajuba, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chief Ikeobasi Mokelu, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Tein Jack-Rich, and former Governor Ben Ayade.

The contest initially saw 23 aspirants throwing their hats into the ring, but by the time voting began at the convention, nine had withdrawn from the race.

These included Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohnenye, Dr. Felix Nicholas, former Governors Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), and Dimeji Bankole, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Governor Muhammad Badaru (Jigawa), Senator Ken Nnamani, and Governor Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti).

Reflecting on the outcome, Bisi Akande, the former governor of Osun State, acknowledged Tinubu’s political acumen, recognizing his growth as a strategist.

Akande also shared insights into the dynamic between Tinubu and Osinbajo, revealing that he played a significant role in Osinbajo’s selection as vice president.

He said, “In 2011, Tinubu was discussing with Buhari about replacing Bakare with someone. I told Tinubu, ‘I’m going to recommend Osinbajo, and I did.”

Peter Obi reacts to Bisi Akande’s allegations that #EndSARS protests was targeted at Tinubu

Former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande’s claims that Obi’s supporters, known as the Obidient Movement, planned the 2020 #EndSARS protests to thwart Bola Tinubu’s presidential aspirations have been sharply criticised by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate.

In a statement to PUNCH, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, refuted Akande’s accusations, labeling them as not only factually incorrect but also deeply insensitive to the victims of the protests.

The controversy stems from a recent podcast appearance by Akande, where he alleged that the #EndSARS protests were part of a larger, well-funded conspiracy orchestrated by the Obidient Movement.

Akande suggested the movement, allegedly supported by foreign funding, was aimed at derailing Tinubu’s rise to power.

“The Obidients were behind the #EndSARS. It was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu). I said the Obidients, I didn’t say Obi,” Akande stated during the interview.

He further added, “They came from America to do the #EndSARS and later became a movement to form a party. They couldn’t form a party. It was well planned and organised with a lot of money from America.”

Obi’s representative, however, swiftly rejected Akande’s narrative, asserting that it was a deliberate attempt to rewrite history and mislead the public.

Ibrahim stressed that Akande’s comments were not only unfounded but also disrespectful to the memories of those who lost their lives during the #EndSARS protests, which were a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s struggle for justice and police reform.

“The allegations are not only misleading but also divisive. It is unfortunate Akande would suggest that the Obidient Movement was behind the #EndSARS protests, and even more astonishing that he would imply it was orchestrated to prevent a particular individual from becoming President,” Ibrahim stated

“Well, let me be clear: the movement is a grassroots phenomenon that emerged organically, driven by the passion and dedication of Nigerians who are committed to creating a better future for our country. It’s a movement that transcends partisan politics and is focused on promoting good governance, accountability, and inclusive development.

“The #EndSARS protests, on the other hand, were a spontaneous response to the widespread discontent and frustration among Nigerian youth regarding issues of police brutality, corruption, and economic inequality. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of our young people, who are demanding a more just and equitable society.

“To conflate these two distinct phenomena is not only inaccurate but also unfair to the millions of Nigerians who are genuinely committed to creating positive change. We urge former governor Akande to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims that can only serve to further polarise our society.”

BREAKING; JAMB shifts 2025 UTME registration, new date announced

The registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will now commence on Monday, Feb. 3, instead of Friday, Jan. 31 as earlier slated.

Dr Fabian Benjamin, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Public Communication Advisor, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday.

Benjamin said the change was necessary to allow the Board to implement essential adjustments to its registration templates.

“These adjustments came in light of the recent suspension of certain law programmes at selected universities, as submitted to the Board by the Council for Legal Education.

“Additionally, the Board discovered that some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres had used deceptive facilities to be approved, prompting the need for further scrutiny and corrections by disapproving such centres.

“The Board acknowledges the disruption this may cause to candidates and other stakeholders and sincerely apologises for any inconvenience,” he said.

He added that the additional time would be used to ensure that all necessary changes were made for a smooth registration process.(NAN)